SACRU universities publish paper on Laudato si’ in Lancet Planetary Health

By Vatican News

Research inspired by Laudato si’ and Pope Francis’ concept of integral ecology forms a focal area for the Strategic Alliance of Catholic Research Universities (SACRU), a global network of Catholic universities.

The Catholic Identity and Laudato si', The Common Home and Social Justice working group underscored their network’s dedication to the theme by releasing a paper entitled “Laudato Si' and the emerging contribution of Catholic research universities to planetary health” in Lancet Planetary Health, a renowned scientific publication.

Paolo Gomarasca, Full Professor of Moral Philosophy at the University of the Sacred Heart, is among the contributors.

In a press release, he noted that resource exploitation by human beings exacerbates climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss, impacting marginalized communities the most.

He said Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato si' calls for holistic solutions that highlight social justice and the shift to renewable energy.

Catholic universities within the SACRU network are at the forefront in calling for interdisciplinary research and education that champion sustainable solutions and care for the planet.

He said their efforts include working with entities such as the UN Food and Agriculture Organization to transform scientific findings into fair policies to tackle global issues effectively.

The paper discusses how the principal dangers to planetary health—climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss—significantly burden minorities and marginalized groups with diseases and early deaths.

While technical resolutions to these threats, like the reduction in chlorofluorocarbon production due to the Montreal Protocol, make an impact, researchers argue that these alone are inadequate to avert future risks.

Referencing Pope Francis' 2015 encyclical Laudato si’, which acknowledges human activity as a major contributor to climate change, the paper emphasizes the need for lasting solutions that restore dignity to the marginalized.

In line with the Pope's vision, the 2021 Laudato Si’ Platform was introduced to encourage a cultural transition towards protecting our common home for everyone's benefit.

At the tertiary education level, this objective is realized through international and multidisciplinary cooperation among Catholic universities, exemplified by SACRU.

The network is committed to education, research, and community service, aiming to leverage scientific endeavors for the greater good.

A significant manifestation of this commitment is SACRU's collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), focusing on addressing food and health disparities globally, particularly in developing nations.